In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi.. Sharjah Lights Festival kicks off

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the launch of the 14th edition of the Sharjah Lights Festival, organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, in front of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, on Wednesday evening. The festival is being held from February 5 to 16 in 12 locations across the Emirate of Sharjah’s landmarks, cities and regions. 

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the launch of the 14th edition of the Sharjah Lights Festival, organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, in front of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, on Wednesday evening. The festival will run from February 5 to 16 in 12 locations across Sharjah’s landmarks, cities and regions. 

His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah was received by Sheikh Khalid bin Essam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Suburbs Affairs, Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Authority, Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, a number of senior officials, heads of government departments, and a group of artists and media professionals. 

The opening ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by a visual presentation about the festival’s journey since its launch in 2011, which showed the beauty of the festival, its wonderful paintings and its success in attracting audiences from all categories. 

His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah watched the opening show titled "The Story of an Exceptional Vision", which reflects the exceptional vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, that transformed Sharjah into a center for culture and knowledge. The show, in bright and dazzling artistic panels, presented many of the ideas that His Highness transformed into institutions that are full of science, thought and culture. 

Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, delivered a speech in which he thanked and appreciated His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi for honoring the opening ceremony of the festival, saying: "The wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, embodies an integrated approach that focuses on people.

His Highness's generous interest and unlimited support for all sectors reflects positively on the development of the emirate and the well-being of its society and contributes to enhancing its leadership and the prosperity of its development process." 

Al Midfa pointed out the great support for all tourism programs in the United Arab Emirates, which continues to support vital sectors in line with its ambitious vision to achieve sustainable development, transform the country into an integrated global tourism destination, and enhance the country's position on the global tourism map. 

The Chairman of the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority pointed out the importance of the festival within the emirate's various programs, as the event represents an important economic and societal opportunity to support small and medium-sized national projects. This year, more than 70 national projects are participating in the "Village of Lights".

The festival is also a permanent platform for creators and artists, who showcase new light and interactive experiences that constitute exceptional works of art and paintings, each of which carries a story and a message with meaning and impact.

 This year's edition of the Sharjah Light Festival presents exceptional light shows in 12 different locations in the Emirate of Sharjah, celebrating the aesthetics of the emirate's architecture and cultural heritage, and working to provide exceptional visual experiences that combine art and technology. 

The festival includes a number of distinctive shows, the first of which is titled "The Journey of the Light of Knowledge and Art", which transforms the walls of the Sharjah Mosque into living paintings, telling the story of the harmony between man, art and nature, and the "Story of the Valley" show, which highlights the following pillars: the source of life, the origin of the valley, ancient settlements, oral traditions, storytelling, the flow of culture, the construction of Al Dhaid Fort, the unified heritage, and the eternal flow of the valley.

 The festival also presents the dynamic 3D "Light of the East" show using light projection technology, which expresses in a sophisticated artistic way a captivating story about Khorfakkan in its distinguished location on the eastern coast of the Emirate of Sharjah, highlighting the beauty and design of the Al Rafisah Dam and its unique location, in addition to many other distinctive shows, such as "The Dream of Nekisos", and other dazzling shows.

 The selection of illuminated locations in the 14th edition of the Sharjah Lights Festival reflects the diversity and ancient culture of the Emirate of Sharjah and highlights the exceptional beauty of the emirate’s tourist and urban landmarks. During the artistic performances, the spotlight will be on landmarks and architectural structures that tell rich stories about the emirate’s cultural heritage and achievements. 

The Sharjah Lights Festival, which features many international artists who present the essence of their artistic vision in this unique experience that combines art and creativity, is one of the most prominent annual events that celebrate creativity. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from inside and outside the country, forming a major stop on the emirate’s cultural and tourism agenda.

The current edition of the festival includes new locations and destinations such as the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, Al Heera Beach, Al Hefaiya Lake, Aljada area and other landmarks in Sharjah.

 The festival includes the "Village of Lights", whose various activities will continue until February 23, presenting a rich interactive program, and includes a number of participating pavilions, the Museum of Lights, events and interactive programs offered by the village to its visitors from families and children's games.

 This year’s edition of the Lights Village will feature a large number of diverse national small and medium enterprises competing to provide experiences that meet the diverse interests of visitors to the village and festival, including selling various foods and beverages and retail projects, which enhances the festival’s role in supporting local entrepreneurs and providing an interactive platform with the public.